Dinner Ideas *update*

[BijouBabe]

Me and DS are heading down next week for a little over a week and he has requested going for a special meal within one of the parks. I think he is leaning more towards an actual sit down dinner. Our last trip we did quick meals so we never paid much attention to any of the restaurants. What would everyone suggest? He's 13 so something that he would enjoy and not a character meal. We did a couple of those before and he said he wants to skip doing that this trip.

 

[Aladora]

Me and DS are heading down next week for a little over a week and he has requested going for a special meal within one of the parks. I think he is leaning more towards an actual sit down dinner. Our last trip we did quick meals so we never paid much attention to any of the restaurants. What would everyone suggest? He's 13 so something that he would enjoy and not a character meal. We did a couple of those before and he said he wants to skip doing that this trip.

What kind of food do your two like and how special ($$$) are you looking at going?

Blue Bayou is the classic Disneyland restaurant and for ambiance, it is hard to beat.

In DCA, I love Carthay Circle and we try and go at least every other trip.

My absolute favourite meal at DL is the chef's counter at Napa Rose but it is expensive, 3 hours long and if your son is not open to sometimes challenging dishes, this might not be for you. However, you can look at the regular Napa Rose menu and see if maybe he would like eating there.

 

[figment_jii]

I agree that it really depends on what types of food you and your DS like and how much you want to spend.

Blue Bayou would be my first choice for a special meal. I've enjoyed the food at Blue Bayou and it has one of the most iconic atmospheres of any of the restaurants. If you do go, I would wait the extra time needed, and request a waterside table. For a less expensive option, I would consider Carnation Cafe or Cafe Orleans. The biggest drawback to Cafe Orleans is that most of the seating is outdoors, so the experience is very weather dependent (they will close if it rains), but it does have a great view of New Orleans Square and the Rivers of America. Carnation Cafe has about half indoor and half outdoor seating.

Over in DCA, my choice for TS locations would also be Carthay Circle Restaurant.

 

[ParkHopper1]

For a 13yo...Blue Bayou or Rainforest Cafe in DTD would be the most fun as they have the best themed atmosphere.

 

[Gisele]

The Blue Bayou. I was 9 when I first dined there and loved it then and have loved it ever since. But then I also love the Pirates of the Caribbean ride attraction.
Definitely ask for a waterside table. For a party of two it most likely won't take long to be seated. It's good to arrive at the BB for your reservation about 20 minutes or so early to make the request. You will most likely be given a time estimate that will end up being much shorter, if any. That's been my experience anyway, and also for two people.

 

[BadPinkTink]

Another vote for Blue Bayou, its my must do place to eat on every visit. This year , June 2016 I also ate at Wine Country Tratoria in California Adventure. Its mainly outdoor seating with an Italian based menu and I really enjoyed my meal there.

 

[Happyjenz]

My son loves blue bayou. He's kind of picky, but they are very accommodating. He's 12y now, and it has been a great experience for him for the past 5 years (from kid menu-adult menu). It's just cool in there, especially by the water (worth the wait!)

 

[BijouBabe]

Thank you for the suggestions! We have decided on Blue Bayou. There are no reservations available the days we are going but I'm hoping something opens up before and we can snag a reservation. The only thing he really liked on the menu was the salmon (he can't eat red meat right now because of his braces) but I loved everything on it lol.

 

[Gisele]

Thank you for the suggestions! We have decided on Blue Bayou. There are no reservations available the days we are going but I'm hoping something opens up before and we can snag a reservation. The only thing he really liked on the menu was the salmon (he can't eat red meat right now because of his braces) but I loved everything on it lol.

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Great choice!
Definitely check several times a day online for a reservation and or call Disney dining once or twice each day. Also once at DLR just go on over to the BB and ask if there is an opening for lunch or dinner. Now mind ya be prepared for being seated right away or shortly after when you have asked. I got lucky that way one visit. I had waited just a little too long to call, so I just asked once or twice in person and a few days later voila! Yes we can seat you now. Ahhh....it was lovely indeed.

 

[BijouBabe]

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Great choice!
Definitely check several times a day online for a reservation and or call Disney dining once or twice each day. Also once at DLR just go on over to the BB and ask if there is an opening for lunch or dinner. Now mind ya be prepared for being seated right away or shortly after when you have asked. I got lucky that way one visit. I had waited just a little too long to call, so I just asked once or twice in person and a few days later voila! Yes we can seat you now. Ahhh....it was lovely indeed.

Good to know! Last time we planned our character meals way early but he decided the other day he wanted to do an actual meal. We have 3 different days to attempt to try and get in so fingers crossed!

 

[Canuck16]

You and your son will really enjoy BB so i hope that you are able to get a ressie for it........Good luck!!

 

[BijouBabe]

So this morning I was able to land a 5:30pm reservation for next Friday!! How exciting and we are definitely going to show up early and wait for a water side table as I think my DS will love that experience!

 

[BijouBabe]

Thank you to everyone suggesting Blue Bayou. We showed up early and requested a waterside table and it was amazing. My son loved the experience and the salmon. He stole my gumbo from me which I didn't think he would like. It was definitely a memory we will always have!